Page 29 - the Noise July 2016

Pere uBu
architecture of language 1979-1982 (fire records)
P e re Ubu formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1975. Their records have been critically acclaimed yet largely ignored by the mainstream throughout their career. They remain peerless in their thirst to re-invent rock music — it is a little clichéd, yet impossible to overstate the startling uniqueness of this music. It is also remarkable to me that, in three decades of collecting records, Pere Ubu and I only just crossed paths. The misfortune of my geography is partly to blame, growing up, as I did, in the North of England for my first 28 years. As a youngster, Pere Ubu was a mythical American band I had read about in the music press, but never had the opportunity to hear during my formative musical sponge-like years. I had a similar experience with the Velvet Underground. It’s hard to believe now but VU records were out of print in the UK during my teens. I don’t think I arrived at the Velvets until I was 17 years old. When I did, “White Light White Heat” certainly flipped a switch. During those glorious pre-internet years, the effort of being a fan of music and gleaning scraps of information was part of the fun in joining the dots to other new musical adventures. These days it’s all too easy of course! You can buy the best of The Velvets in the superstore- that-shall-not-be-named, I imagine. So I somehow missed out on Pere Ubu. I wish I had a time machine. I would go back and play myself this box set, and witness my teenage mind
exploding with the possibilities of how pop music could sound!
There is so much happening within these 41 tracks! Where to start? At times it feels like eating a 3-course meal in under a minute. So many flavors, it’s hard to concentrate and digest it all on first bite. I am immediately astounded by how original these recordings still sound, four decades on. I can’t think of a comparative band making similar musical forays prior to Pere Ubu, or have any clues as to who they may have been listening to that influenced their vision.
The Red Krayola, Sun Ra, or Captain Beefheart, possibly. I certainly hear the influence of Pere Ubu in a smattering of examples that followed in their wake. Fear Of Music / Remain In Light era Talking Heads for sure, and many 90s alt weird pop bands such as Thinking Fellers Union Local 282. Both bands I listened to and enjoyed during their heyday, unaware of the
by beverley napalm photo by jim jones
influence of Pere Ubu on their output. Still, I am making up for lost time now by diving into the treasure trove collection by this underappreciated and forward thinking band.
This box set features the bands’ first three studio albums, which were originally released between 1979 and 1982 (although recordings on the debut LP date from 1976). Plus a bonus disc of unreleased period pieces.
It’s a fascinating and challenging listen for sure. At times the music walks a fragile tightrope that could be viewed as either arty smugness or chaotic brilliance. For me, the bands sheer originality trumps any detrimental pretentious leanings. These are American post-punk Avant-pop masterpieces. Throughout, the instrumentation is sonically adventurous, considered, and brilliantly executed. The approach was unquestionably deliberate in pushing the envelope of the accepted rock norm of the era. There are many examples of what could be considered as the band sabotaging their own work (from an audible perspective). Many of the songs feature harsh obnoxious synth drones and tones that grate and introduce tension. At times it is rhythmically challenging, and throughout there is a delightful structural disregard for the classic verse – chorus – verse approach of trad rock.
There is a playful abundance of melody from every direction, that it occasionally renders the listener unsure of where to focus attention. The music flits between dense and claustrophobic to joyful and upbeat, yet there is plenty of delicious space on these recordings also. There so are many contradictions! It’s beautiful ... And the vocals ...? They are neurotic, inspired, and a little bit bonkers! I can’t think of any singer that sounds like David Thomas (which I should make clear, is given as a compliment). His style veers from wordless droned chants, to gleefully spat out skittish abandonment. It’s not for everyone for sure, but remains the defining part of Pere Ubu’s palette. Inspiring and inspired from start to finish.
Pere Ubu are currently on tour. The band is implicit in admitting “This isn’t a reunion. It isn’t a greatest hits tour.” Further adding: “We don’t promote chaos, we preserve it.”
29 • {online at thenoise.us} JULY 2016 | the best of arizona | the nöísẽ